What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants have been used successfully for many
years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically
placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or
teeth) is then attached to the post. Dental implants
involve co-operation between a specialist and our office.
The surgical phase of treatment is completed by the
specialist, and the restorative phase is completed at
our office.

Implant

Restoration

What are Dental Implants Used For?

There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:

As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.

As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis
to replace multiple teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants allow the replacement of a single
or multiple teeth without relying on any adjacent tooth
for strength or support. Implants are generally considered
as an alternative to Dentures,
Partials, or Bridges.
One important benefit of implants when used for Implant-Retained
Dentures is that they slow the shrinking of bone
and gum tissue under the denture.

Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately
49% are missing at least one tooth.

Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement
system ever devised.

More than nine out of ten implants last longer than
15 years.

Dental implants never develop decay.

Dental implants never require root canals.

Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can
prevent premature ageing.

No one can be disqualified for implant treatment
solely because of their age -- some patients receive
implant treatment when they are in their nineties!

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Step One:

The gum is gently folded back and
a space is prepared for the implant to be placed.

Step Two:

The dental implant "anchor"
is put into place.

Step Three:

A temporary cap is placed on the
implant and the gum tissue is repositioned around
the implant. The implant is left alone for several
months so the bone can attach to the implant and
create a secure anchor.

Restorative Phase:

Step One:

After the implant has had a chance
to attach to the bone tissue, the temporary cap
is removed from the anchor and a post is attached
to the anchor.

Step Two:

The implant is now ready for a prosthesis.
An impression is taken of the implant and the
appropriate prosthesis (crown,
bridge or overdenture)
is made.

Step Three:

The prosthesis is then attached
to the implant(s).

Considering a Dental Implant?

If you are considering a dental implant,
contact us for an evaluation
appointment. Dr. Loar and the oral surgeon will perform
an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate
for a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for
an implant, we will provide you with further information
to help you decide.

MINI Dental Implants

The
MDI System consists of a miniature titanium implant
that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining
fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture.
The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the
retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a
rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the
denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined
leve of force. Mini Dental Implants represent one of
the fastest growing segments of the dental product industry.